The meeting started with a 20 minute viewing of a robotic flight competition.
There was then another 20 minute show that talked about learning robots.

After that, Jake did the usual introductions. He also had several giveaways
items including copies of Circuit Cellar, and some very cool posters. Jake also
announced that he resigned from the Trinity College Fire Fighting Home Robot
Contest. For more info, you can visit www.jake.mendelssohn.name .

Mark was up next and he brought in a large demonstration of his newly built
thrusters. He's planning on using these thrusters for his one-wheeled fire
fighting robot. The demonstration that he brought in today was a working
thruster that produced a large amount of thrust. He then went on to explain how
the thrusters work and how he plans on implementing them in his robot. Good job
Mark!

Next Walter did a talk about some of the different tools that are available to
develop applications for the Palm OS. One of the tools he mentioned was PocketC
( www.orbworks.com ) which is a cheap C compiler for the Palm. He also
explained how to use PocketC and various other tools. He then demonstrated how
a Palm can control a robot. Great talk, Walter!

Dan then asked for some help with a PocketPC of his that no longer works. The
club members suggested that he bring it in to the next meeting so that
hopefully someone can fix it.

Next, Mark W. talked about his Odometry Contest entry. This robot used the Lego
RCX and was able to accurately traverse the required distances. Good Job Mark!

David was up next and he showed everyone his entry for the Odometry Contest.
This robot (also using Legos) sported an advanced drive system which David
designed mostly himself. This drive system allowed one motor to drive all four
wheels. Good Job!

Mark then demonstrated a free CAD program called QCad. He demonstrated how CAD
programs work and how to use them. Thanks Mark!